Aberdeen auto thefts continue

Five vehicles reported stolen; all five later recovered

Five vehicles reported stolen; all five later recovered

October 17, 2007|By Emily Arthur-Richardt, American News Writer

The Aberdeen Police Department is investigating another rash of car burglaries and thefts after a thief or thieves struck again early Tuesday morning. Capt. Dave McNeil of the Aberdeen Police Department said at least five vehicles with keys left in them were stolen sometime between 4 and 5 a.m. Tuesday. All the vehicles were recovered, although some received some damage, McNeil said. Some were driven to rural locations and dumped, while there was a report of two of the stolen vehicles racing through town. McNeil said authorities believe other vehicles were driven short distances and then dumped. Several other vehicles were also entered, he said. Items were either moved around or taken, and McNeil said there were reports of a few weapons stolen out of unlocked vehicles. Tuesday's incidents come on the heels of an in- vestigation into several car thefts and burglaries in Aberdeen. Since Sept. 28, about 15 to 20 unlocked vehicles have been entered and items have been taken on the north side of Aberdeen. And last week, three unlocked vehicles with the keys in them were stolen. McNeil said Tuesday's crimes were different from previous ones in that they occurred all over Aberdeen; however, there are still similarities to the previous crimes. He said it's still unknown if all the crimes are connected. There are no identified suspects at this point, McNeil said. "We want to urge citizens to please lock their vehicles," he said. "They need to take the keys out and report anything suspicious." Anyone with information on the thefts and burglaries is asked to call the Aberdeen Police Department at (605) 626-7911. Reporter Emily Arthur-Richardt; (605) 622-2314 or 1-800-925-4100 ext. 314; earthur@aberdeennews.com